Maryland bans alcohol in state forests

Alcohol is now banned in Maryland's state forests, the Associated Press reports.

Steve Koehn, a Maryland state forester, said his agency began phasing in the ban this month. Drinking in state parks became illegal last year.

Koehn says alcoholic beverages will still be allowed at pavilions in the Green Ridge and Potomac-Garrett state forests with a permit that is currently free but will eventually cost $35, the AP reported.

He said the state is banning alcoholic beverages on all its public lands because those who drink excessively sometimes ruin the outdoor experience for others.